8. Existential Therapy Flashcards
what is Existential therapy based on?
the philosophy of existentialsim of the 19th century
who were the three main influences of existential therapy?
Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, Irvin Yalom
what is Viktor Frankl’s background?
- Jewish holocaust survivor
- psychiatrist
- neurologist
- created own brand of existential therapy called logo therapy
- meaning and will power oriented rather than reflective approach of others
what are does existential therapy focus on?
Focus on concerns rooted in our human existence. client focused on how to find strengths in how to deal with problems in life
what kind of approach the existential therapy take?
A Phenomenological approach that takes cognizance of both good and evil
what is the idea of Existential Therapy?
• Idea that we are in existence and recognition that we will die eventually and the idea of this is that we do the best that we can for our lives. Guidance should come within the person.
what is the basic philosophy of existential therapy?
Exploration of the reality of existence; the problems “of life” not the problems “in life”
what are the areas to explore in existential therpay?
Umwelt - understanding existence in relation to the physical world
mitwelt - understanding existence in relation to the self
define existential dimensions?
Existential dimensions arise out of the development of self-awareness of the realities inherent in the finite drama of our existence, in a turbulent and unpredicted universe
what are the existential dimensions?
- The individual is the author of their own life
- Freedom without responsibility is chaos
- Responsibility without freedom is tyranny and autocracy
- The freedom to choose creates existential guilt
- The question is: how do I follow my life authentically and take responsibility
- Client examines his/her own social and cultural conditioning – finds own inner truth – makes authentic choices
- Self determination in life – committing to inner vales and acting accordingly
how does one search for meaning in existence?
- Create an discover meaning within own existence through commitment
- Discover own integral valuing system
what does searning for meaning in existence allow?
allows one:
• To live purposefully an find and follow own direction in life
• To make the best out of a given situation “tragic optimism”
• To deal with a sense o Anxiety that is normal to humanity
what is existential anxiety?
a sense of dis-ease. takes away the illusion of security
what are the challenges that anxiety brings?
- Challenges us with living with ambiguity and uncertainty of life
- Challenges the person to grown and take action
- Challenges person to take responsibility and living purposefully and fully
what is self awareness?
- Awareness of alternatives and choice
* Discovery of self separate and yet very connected